The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Willamette National Forest

161 Reviews

Dispersed camping options surround the Willamette National Forest area with several established free sites accessible by vehicle. Blue River Reservoir offers roadside camping with pull-off spots along the water, particularly after passing the developed campgrounds and continuing beyond Mona campground. The access road is rough in sections but navigable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. Fire restrictions often apply due to recent burn activity in the area. A review noted, "If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites with a fee, keep driving and there are still very treed dispersed sites past the more developed ones."

Several backcountry options exist in the Sisters and Bend vicinity, with Black Pine Dispersed Camping providing spacious sites suitable for groups with large fire rings. The road to Sparks Lake Recreation Area requires careful driving but doesn't necessarily need 4WD. Many sites have mountain views and lake access, though they fill quickly during peak season. Moraine Lake offers more remote options requiring a challenging 2-mile uphill hike, making it ideal for backpackers looking for solitude. Most dispersed sites throughout the region lack amenities, so visitors must pack in water and pack out waste, with dumpsters available in nearby towns.

Map showing campgrounds near Willamette National Forest, OregonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Willamette National Forest (54)

    1. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    12 Reviews
    Blue River, OR
    8 miles

    "The coordinates take you to right by the reservoir with one or two spots but if you keep going down the road into the National Forest/Recreation area, (not in towards the reservoir— that road is rough,"

    "The marker on the map is where the information kiosk is. If you follow the road to the right of the reservoir there are some developed campsites/boat launches with a fee (and composting toilets)."

    2. Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes National Forest, OR
    19 miles
    Website

    "No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises."

    "Wonderful backcountry camping accessed by a mostly uphill 2 mile hike."

    3. Sparks Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    22 miles

    "Access to water. Gorgeous sunsets. Not far from toilet if you're up for a walk, or have wheels. Firepits. This site has it all. Room to back in 15' trailer to camp or of."

    "There are several spots off of the road to the Spark Lake Day Use area. The road is very rough, but taken slow does not require a 4wd."

    4. Craig Lake

    2 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    15 miles

    5. Sisters, Oregon - Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    29 miles
    Website

    "Love this dispersed camping area just south of Sisters, OR. We've camped here a few times over the years and there are never many campers around."

    "Maybe 15min outside bend, a little hard to see the turn off in the dark, but once we did it was easy to find a spot and set up camp! We only stayed one night and were car camping so it was perfect!"

    6. Black Pine Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    25 miles

    "We drove around looking for a place to boondock near Sisters for what felt like forever, but all the remote sites we planned on were taken."

    "One of the best dispersed camps we’ve been to all year!"

    7. FS Rd 1514 Dispersed camping

    3 Reviews
    Sisters, OR
    25 miles

    "We spent some time driving around the Sisters area looking for a spot with a view.  Found a beauty!  The area is large enough for several rigs, including large ones. "

    "Great view of the mountains with access to other view points. Only issue is the provided GPS coordinate isn't correct. It send me close by but down a long awful gravel road."

    8. Ray Benson Sno-Park

    1 Review
    Camp Sherman, OR
    20 miles

    9. BEND FS 4610 Dispersed

    13 Reviews
    Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests & Crooked River National Grassland, OR
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 383-5300

    "The main red dirt road is gorgeous with various pull offs spaced decently far apart. I saw one or two neighbors to the left and right of our spot but it was far enough that our spot felt private."

    "Dirt road through the forest. Pretty flat but sites were spaced out far enough that you couldn’t really see neighbors. Decent cell service, no complaints!"

    10. Mini Enclave Dispersed

    1 Review
    Camp Sherman, OR
    24 miles
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 54 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Willamette National Forest Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Willamette National Forest

67 Photos of 54 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Willamette National Forest

161 Reviews of 54 Willamette National Forest Campgrounds

  • Aaron M.
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Deschutes Forest NFD 4600-120 Dispersed Camping

    Fine dispersed camping close to town

    Just a forest service road. The area close to the road is closed to camping entirely. I showed up at 1am and missed that part since I'm so used to seeing no campFIRES and was hassled by a local for making their scenic walk less pretty. But if you look at the map posted you just need to be further in from the road - you'll see new signs for 14-day limits. Lots of mountain bikers riding past since there are a ton of trails out here. They also seem to be grumpy about seeing a vehicle parked out here, but oh well. 

    I don't know who is marking this area for services and water and toilets and RV hookups.... it's just a dirt road. However I do get 2-3 bars LTE on AT&T and Verizon even further in where you can camp.

  • Mark F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2022

    Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite

    Beautiful site at base of Cascade mountains

    We were looking for a dispersed camping site on Forest Service land outside of cell range so we used The Dyrt PRO maps to help us find this spot. It is just off of paved roads on a smooth gravel road that our RV easily handled - it is a pull off from Whiskey Jack road and has room for 1 RV or several tents on flat land with some soft ground cover from grass and pine needles. There are no services so this is dry camping and you’ll need to be self sufficient. There is a fire pit circle but with recent fires we wouldn’t use it and it may be prohibited. I am sure this road could be snowed in in winter months but was dry and clear in June. We picked the spot with fewer trees as we were testing out a Starlink satellite dish on our RV to see if we could get internet access deep in the woods. Lots of ponderosa pines, manzanita bushes, and chirping birds in warm weather days and cool nights. There is some traffic passing the site during the day but there is a road that a 4 wheel drive could travel if you wanted to get away from the road for some extra privacy and quiet. Overall a classic Oregon Cascades mountain meadow location that is only 10-15 minutes off highway 20 and makes you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere to rest and rejuvenate!

  • Erin P.
    Aug. 7, 2017

    Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great South Sister base camp

    Hiked up on Friday night and got the last spot. No amenities, and a 2 mile straight uphill hike to get here. Theres a map of the campsites, but they are hard to find. None are near te lake so fill upwater in bulk! Stunning sunsets and sunrises. Made for a nice striking point to the summit. Gets busy. Have bug spray handy!

  • Sarah R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 8, 2021

    Black Pine Dispersed Camping

    Spacious and remote

    We drove around looking for a place to boondock near Sisters for what felt like forever, but all the remote sites we planned on were taken. When we arrived at the Black Pine dispersed area, it was surprisingly empty for how busy the rest of the area was. 

    The sites were huge with enormous fire rings and would be ideal for groups. We just had one small van, but there was one other large party with multiple vehicles and a large camper van, and they fit comfortably in one site. 

    The actual sites are not very forested or private, but it still felt secluded since only two of probably 10 sites were taken. Definitely recommend this area, especially for groups!

  • Adrianne D.
    Jul. 3, 2021

    Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    HOT and scenic

    So so beautiful and scenic! Also very hot and dry, as to be expected in the high desert. The scent of Mock orange hung heavy in the evenings air and the waterfalls area had a pool nearby you could hang out in. TONS of desert wildflowers too, along with several hundred year old juniper trees and sagebrush lizards all over bathing on rocks in the morning sun. It was during bitterly breeding season too, it’s a breeding ground for monarchs! No fires due to fire restrictions and the GPS coordinates on here took us an hour past the destination.. we found it eventually after good going though.

  • Hannah M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2019

    Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

    Free camping beside the reservoir

    Free dispersed roadside camping beside the reservoir. There’s some nice sites off blue river reservoir road and across the dam. Nice lake and a vault toilet with a dumpster in the day use section. Nice basic free spot!

  • Braden M.
    Jun. 13, 2022

    Steelhead Falls Trailhead & Campground

    Favorite type of terrain to camp in

    Beautiful trip. Breathtaking drives and not hard to find with given coordinates. Dirt roads are not too hard to drive but during the dry months it is extremely dusty. The campground on the trailhead is nice but a little too close for dispersed camping. Trail is not too long to a waterfall. You can fish and jump off the rocks into the water. We stayed one night at the designated camp site but ended driving about 10 minutes down a dirt road next the the campground entrance that is actual dispersed camping. Really enjoyed that spot with a trail down to the river and 2 drive in spots and multiple walk in campsites along the cliffs. 

Guide to Willamette National Forest

Dispersed camping near Willamette National Forest in Oregon offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure.

Dispersed campers should check out Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping

  • This site allows for both drive-in and walk-in access, making it convenient for various camping styles.
  • Enjoy the freedom of camping without permits, as this area does not require any, allowing for a spontaneous getaway.
  • With features like fires allowed and pets permitted, you can create a cozy atmosphere while enjoying the company of your furry friends.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Willamette National Forest in Oregon

  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Moraine Lake Dispersed Camping has no drinking water or toilets, so pack accordingly.
  • If you're looking for a peaceful experience, consider the secluded sites at Sparks Lake Recreation Area, where you can enjoy beautiful views and a tranquil environment.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in areas like Quartzville Recreation Corridor, where maintaining the natural beauty is essential for future visitors.

Scenic spots for dispersed campers

  • For breathtaking views, head to Black Pine Dispersed Camping, where you can find spacious sites and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
  • The picturesque setting at Craig Lake may not be as impressive as its name suggests, but it offers a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude.
  • Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite provides a lovely backdrop at the base of the Cascade Mountains, perfect for those looking to explore the outdoors while enjoying a serene atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Willamette National Forest?

Willamette National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest service roads and near water features. Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping provides free roadside sites beside the reservoir with some nice spots off Blue River Reservoir Road and across the dam. Another option is Quartzville Recreation Corridor, which features beautiful roadside camping areas tucked into mountain valleys near a large mountain lake. Look for designated pull-offs along forest service roads throughout the forest. Many dispersed sites are accessible via dirt or gravel roads that branch off from main routes. Most sites require you to be a certain distance from roads, water sources, and developed recreation areas. Forest Service maps and the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) can help identify legal dispersed camping areas.

Can you camp for free in Willamette National Forest?

Yes, you can camp for free in Willamette National Forest at designated dispersed camping areas. Peterson Ridge Road Dispersed offers 14-day free camping with no amenities. Whiskey Jack Dispersed Campsite is another free option located just off paved roads on a smooth gravel road that's easily accessible for RVs. Most dispersed camping in the forest follows the 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Remember that dispersed camping means no facilities - you'll need to pack in all necessities and pack out all trash. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, properly store food to avoid attracting wildlife, and check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your trip.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Willamette National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Willamette National Forest is Blue River Reservoir Roadside Camping with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Willamette National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 54 dispersed camping locations near Willamette National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring

  3. View all Oregon cities for camping